New name reflects Indian commitment

Nothing wrong with naming a place after a person in recognition of their accomplishments, but typically such honor only comes when the person has retired or is on the brink of doing so. That’s not the case with Target, where the company’s Indian headquarters has been renamed the “Gregg W. Steinhafel Center” after the company’s chairman, president and CEO.

While such a move might be regarded as arrogant, especially considering Steinhafel was named CEO only two years ago, Target gets a pass in this case due to extenuating circumstances in India, where the sale of its operations have been the subject of persistent rumors. In November of last year and again in January the company issued strongly-worded press releases denying the rumors and asserting its commitment to the 2,100 person India operation. However, nothing says commitment quite like putting the name of the current chairman, president and CEO on the building.

“The renaming of this facility underscores Target’s commitment to our operations in India and the efforts to further integrate our India and U.S.-based teams,” said Target India president Lalit Ahuja. “The 2,100 members of the Target India team continue to deliver exceptional results in direct support of Target’s companywide strategy and growth priorities.”

Target India is an integral part of Target’s long-term business strategy and growth and will continue to provide value in 2010 by driving superior execution, enhancing business capabilities and strategically collaborating with the U.S-based team, according to the company.